If you shot a time-lapse picture of Brandon Vera on the day the UFC released him from his contract, you would see him sitting on the couch, still, as the sun rose and set in the horizon.

Sure, Vera (11-6 MMA, 7-6 UFC) had lost before – several times, in fact, for a variety of reasons. But hearing word that he would no longer work for the world's biggest fight promotion – that he was out of a job – was particularly devastating.

"I promised some hardcore fans the heavyweight belt and the light-heavyweight belt. I remember when he made this promise. I've been waiting along time and will probably be waiting even longer. I don't see it.